In 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic, a group of entrepreneurs from Rocinha joined forces with the goal of promoting economic inclusion and entrepreneurship through education, innovation and social impact initiatives

The Favela In collective was created by entrepreneurs from various sectors, including gastronomy, crafts, law, health and wellness, and was officially founded in 2020, at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. At that time, many of the members saw their businesses become unfeasible but also realized that, together, they could create something bigger.

They decided to join forces in a single physical space, creating a collaborative environment that not only allowed them to continue their individual activities but also strengthened a powerful support network.

Coluna da Neuza interviewed Vinicius Carvalho, one of the founders of the collective, at their headquarters in Rocinha, a community located in Rio de Janeiro’s South Zone. Check it out!

Coluna da Neuza: What is Favela In?

Vinicius Carvalho: Favela In is more than just a collective, it’s a movement, a space of power and transformation created by us and for us. It was born from the commitment to access to information, equity and economic inclusion.

We work through initiatives that are driven by education, collaboration and the strength of collectivity. We believe that real change is possible when it starts within our own territory.

Favela In is made up of people who, when faced with common challenges, turn difficulties into opportunities, innovating from the favela to create positive social impact.

Coluna da Neuza: What was the goal behind creating the collective?

Vinicius Carvalho: Our goal is to promote economic inclusion and entrepreneurship through education, innovation, and socially impactful actions, creating real opportunities for favela* residents to develop their skills, generate income and become protagonists of their own stories. And we do all this in a collective and sustainable way.

*”Favela” refers to a Brazilian urban slum or shantytown, usually characterized by informal housing, limited access to public services and strong community ties. Despite socioeconomic challenges, favelas are also hubs of cultural richness, resilience and innovation.

Coluna da Neuza: How is the community involved with the initiative?

Vinicius Carvalho: The community is at the heart of everything we do. We work directly with Rocinha’s residents, strengthening local networks, offering training and developing solutions that meet the real needs of the territory. Above all, we value the creative potential and local culture.

Our main beneficiaries are Rocinha’s residents, especially local entrepreneurs, young people seeking professional training and women who want to strengthen their businesses or enter the job market.

Strengthening local businesses

According to Vinicius, since its foundation, Favela In has contributed to the creation and strengthening of dozens of local businesses, as well as to training young people and women in different areas and generating concrete opportunities for productive inclusion. More than just numbers, the collective has promoted increased self-esteem, autonomy and hope among participants.

Currently, activities developed include:

• Workshops and training in areas such as entrepreneurship, communication, audiovisual production, circular economy, and social impact;
• Specialized consulting;
• Events and creative marathons, such as Hackateen, which mobilizes young people to develop digital solutions for real challenges in the community;
• Actions to foster local businesses and create networks of mutual support.

Innovation born in the favelas

One of the main challenges faced by the organization is raising funds to maintain and expand its activities. Vinicius also highlights external prejudice regarding the favela’s potential as a recurring obstacle. However, instead of discouraging the group, it serves as motivation to prove that innovation and power also emerge from the quebradas (slang for favelas).

In terms of achievements, Favela In’s greatest victory is becoming a reference in entrepreneurship and social impact within Rocinha.

Other major achievements include creating Hackateen, a creative marathon that mobilizes young people to develop digital solutions tailored to real community challenges, and strengthening local and international partnerships aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Vinicius adds that he and the other founders now feel proud and fulfilled when looking at everything they’ve built.

“Favela In is living proof that the community is a place of innovation, creativity, and transformation. It’s work driven by love, resilience, and the desire to inspire other communities to believe in their own potential”.

“We know the road is long, but seeing the impact we’re generating and the transformation we’re promoting is truly rewarding” he concludes.

Want to support?

Favela In is located at Estrada da Gávea, 308, Morro da Rocinha, in Rio de Janeiro’s South Zone. All of the projects, workshops, meetings and training happen in this space. If you feel inspired, the doors are open to anyone who wants to learn, grow and drive change.

Donate hope, change realities and help strengthen this work by making a donation – click here to do it.Follow Favela In on Instagram and visit their website for more information.